You are here

The Kampong

Located on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, Florida, The Kampong contains a fascinating array of tropical fruit cultivars and flowering trees. Named for the Malay or Javanese word for a village or cluster of houses, The Kampong is the former estate of Dr. David Fairchild, the famed botanical explorer who traveled throughout Southeast Asia and other tropical regions collecting exotic plants he introduced to the U.S.

Kampong Planting Heritage collections from Southeast Asia, Central and South Americas, the Caribbean, and other tropical locales create a cornucopia of exotic fruit, including candle fruit, peanut butter fruit, egg fruit, cocoplums, and over 50 varieties of mango. Numerous species of palms, cycads, and flowering trees are studied by scientists from the world over. The Kampong serves as the mainland campus for NTBG's educational courses, as a living classroom used by universities and colleges for botany and horticulture courses, and is a popular spot for plant enthusiasts of all ages.

Stand dwarfed by an 80-year old baobab tree from Tanzania that weighs almost 50 tons! Delight in the intoxicating fragrance of flowering plants prized by the perfume industry. Marvel at the fascinating fruits and flowering trees from the tropics. Your tour begins when you check in at the estate’s main house; an informational guide with map will be provided. Take your time strolling from the main house to the bay to other notable sites on the property. Picnics welcome.

Greeted by a mythical goddess whose head hauntingly appears from the roots of a banyan tree, your visit begins at the entrance gate. Stroll with your guide through legacy plantings as you hear the story of David Fairchild, why he made this spot his home, and how his plant collections influenced the diets of the American people. Make your way to the museum which once served as Fairchild’s study and laboratory. Enter the Fairchild-Sweeney House and learn how Kay Sweeney saved the property from development after Fairchild’s death. View the historical documents and photographs that led to the creation of the Florida Everglades as a national park. At the conclusion of your guided tour, feel free to meander on your own to The Point on Biscayne Bay and explore the garden further.

Guided tours of The Kampong are offered seasonally, September through June.

Kalāheo, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, USA (January 10, 2018) — Dr. Michael J. Balick, Vice President for Botanical Science and Philecology Curator at the Institute for Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), has been named the 2018 recipient of the David Fairchild Medal for Plant Exploration. In an announcement from its headquarters in Hawai‘i, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) recognized Dr. Balick for a career spanning over four decades of botanical fieldwork and research around the globe.

Hurricane Irma has passed and we are glad to report that our staff are safe and the historic structures at The Kampong suffered little damage. Tragically, the living collections were significantly damaged and the garden will remain closed for hurricane recovery for several weeks.

Hurricane Irma has passed and we are very glad to report our staff members are safe and the historic structures at The Kampong suffered little damage. We are still assessing the extent of the damage to our living collections, but upon initial review it appears Irma has dealt a devastating blow.

Research Tools

Let's Connect

DIACRITICALS
National Tropical Botanical Garden is headquartered on the island of Kauai in Hawaii and recognizes the use of diacritical markings of the modern Hawaiian language including the ʻokina [ ʻ ] or glottal stop and the kahakō [ō] or macron. However, we have omitted these markings throughout our website to ensure the best online experience for our local, national and international users. Per our mission, NTBG is committed to perpetuating the survival of cultural knowledge and recognizes the importance of using these markings to preserve the language and culture of Hawaii. We respectfully use diacriticals in all of our printed communication beyond the online platform.